30/01/2018

VW hit by diesel controversy again

Germany's environment minister Barbara Hendricks has called Volkswagen's emissions tests using animals and people 'irresponsible'.

Volkswagen had sponsored tests which exposed humans and monkeys to toxic diesel fumes.

Barbara said, 'It is once again astonishing that there are companies in the auto sector who are unaware of the responsibility of their behaviour.'

Volkswagen's CEO Matthias Mueller has admitted to being 'stunned' by news that the company had sponsored such tests and said he realised that Volkswagen has 'a long way ahead of us to regain lost trust' after the latest crisis after having been found cheating diesel emissions tests.

Matthias said 'The methods used by EUGT in the United States were wrong, they were unethical and repulsive,' he said. 'I am sorry that Volkswagen was involved in the matter as one of the sponsors of EUGT.'

The 2014 study was held in order to show that diesel exhaust fumes were non-carcinogenic and VW has said that the study was never discussed in any management board meetings.

Matthias has said previously that he has found it hard to break VW's secretive corporate culture.

Barbara Hendricks is meeting with European peers in Brussels to discuss government measures designed to improve air quality in badly polluted cities.